Solar-powered Solaris superyacht concept

The 44-metre Solaris superyacht concept from Duffy London promises silent running and a 45-knot top speed, with ethanol power, solar panels and waterjets.

The Solaris Global Cruiser project, designed by Duffy London, boasts a composite planing hull and six electric motors driving waterjets to harness the solar power. “With our yacht, you can cruise silently at great speeds, as you would with a sailing yacht. But unlike a conventional sailing yacht you are not at the mercy of wind and weather conditions, dictating your speed and direction,” says Duffy London. With battery technology progressing in leaps and bounds, the designers say this could be a feasible project by 202o. An ethanol-powered turbine provides short bursts of extra grunt.

The 8.7-metre-beam yacht, covered in photovoltaic panels, will be able to gather and store power at anchor and in port. The ten guests will be accommodated in five cabins, serviced by seven crew, with open areas aft on the main deck and on the sundeck. The yacht has an asking price of £25 million.